The NFL has been blessed with quarterbacks who possess not only exceptional passing abilities but also the athleticism to extend plays with their feet. These dual-threat quarterbacks have changed the way the game is played, combining traditional quarterback skills with the ability to break defenses using their rushing prowess.
In this article, we explore 15 of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history, examining their careers, achievements, and the impact they’ve made on the league.
14. Patrick Mahomes
With a knack for both passing and running, Patrick Mahomes is a quarterback who truly stands out. His rushing prowess is evident in his amassed yards, a testament to his ability to keep plays alive with his feet.
But it’s not just his running game that shines. Mahomes’ passing skills are top-notch, making him a formidable dual-threat on the field.
13. Tobin Rote
Tobin Rote, a master of both passing and running, was a force to be reckoned with on the football field. In 1956, he topped the charts in the NFL for passing yards and touchdowns, showcasing his skills while playing for the Green Bay Packers.
His talent didn’t stop there. Rote clinched championship titles in both the NFL and AFL, playing for the Detroit Lions and the San Diego Chargers respectively. His professional career was marked by impressive stats, racking up thousands of yards both on the ground and through the air.
12. Roger Staubach
In the heart of American football history, a star shone brightly from 1969 to 1979. This star was none other than the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback, Roger Staubach. His skillful blend of passing and running with the ball carved a unique path in the sport. With Staubach at the helm, the Cowboys charged into the Super Bowl four times, emerging victorious in two of those epic battles.
Before his NFL glory, Staubach had already made waves by clinching the Heisman Trophy in 1963, showcasing his prowess at the U.S. Naval Academy. His crowning moment came in 1972 when he was named Super Bowl MVP, a testament to his unmatched talent and leadership.
11. Aaron Rodgers
With a knack for both passing and rushing, Aaron Rodgers brings a dynamic edge to the quarterback position. His agility and quick thinking allow him to dart out of the pocket, keeping plays alive and adding an unexpected twist to his team’s offense.
While he may not be the top rushing quarterback, his accumulated yardage over hundreds of games is nothing to scoff at. Rodgers’ unique blend of skills keeps opponents on their toes and adds a thrilling layer to his game.
10. Steve McNair
Steve McNair, a master of both passing and rushing, spent 13 thrilling seasons in the NFL. He threw for an impressive distance, equivalent to over 177 miles, and ran for a distance longer than the length of Manhattan.
Under his leadership, the Tennessee Titans charged their way to the Super Bowl. In 2003, his exceptional skills earned him the honor of sharing the MVP title with Peyton Manning.
9. Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb, a dynamic force on the football field, spent the majority of his 13-season NFL career as the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. With a powerful arm, he launched passes that totaled over 37,000 yards and resulted in 234 touchdowns. Not just a passer, McNabb also showcased his athleticism by rushing for over 3,000 yards.
His leadership and skill propelled the Eagles into the playoffs eight times, even reaching the pinnacle of the sport – the Super Bowl. Today, his name tops the Eagles’ franchise records for both passing yards and touchdowns, a testament to his significant impact on the team.
8. Josh Allen
With a knack for both passing and rushing, Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen is a force to be reckoned with on the football field. His dynamic playing style has propelled the Bills to numerous triumphant seasons, some even boasting an impressive 13 victories.
Allen’s ability to score touchdowns, whether he’s launching the ball through the air or charging down the field himself, is nothing short of remarkable. His career is already studded with a staggering number of rushing touchdowns, a testament to his versatility and skill.
7. Fran Tarkenton
In the heart of the NFL’s history, a dynamic force emerged on the field. Fran Tarkenton, a quarterback who redefined the game with his unique blend of agility and precision. From 1961 to 1978, he dominated the gridiron, primarily as a Minnesota Viking. His arm was a cannon, launching passes that accumulated over 47,000 yards.
His legs were just as potent, rushing for over 3,600 yards. Tarkenton’s prowess led the Vikings to three Super Bowl showdowns. His remarkable career earned him a rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
6. John Elway
In the high-stakes world of professional football, few names shine as brightly as John Elway. With a career spanning 16 years, Elway’s time as quarterback for the Denver Broncos was nothing short of legendary. His prowess in both passing and rushing the ball was a game-changer, making him a formidable force on the field.
Elway’s leadership and skill propelled the Broncos to five Super Bowl games, with victories in 1998 and 1999 capping off his impressive career. His nine Pro Bowl selections and 1987 NFL MVP title further underscore his exceptional talent. But Elway’s contributions to the Broncos didn’t end with his retirement. As an executive, he played a pivotal role in securing another Super Bowl win for the team in 2016.
5. Russell Wilson
With a knack for dodging tackles and extending plays, Russell Wilson has made a name for himself as a dynamic quarterback. His rushing yards are impressively high for his position, showcasing his unique blend of passing and running prowess.
His NFL journey has seen him don the jerseys of the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and most recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
4. Randall Cunningham
In the high-octane world of the NFL, quarterback Randall Cunningham stood out with his unique blend of passing and running skills. Over a solid 16-season career, he racked up nearly 30,000 yards through the air and almost 5,000 on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
His dynamic play earned him four trips to the Pro Bowl and a prestigious First-team All-Pro selection. Cunningham’s innovative style set a new standard, inspiring future quarterbacks to embrace mobility.
3. Cam Newton
Cam Newton, a force to be reckoned with on the football field, holds an impressive NFL record for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. He’s also a top contender in career quarterback rushing yards, coming in third place.
Newton, always one to recognize talent, has openly admired Lamar Jackson’s skills, even going as far as to rank Jackson above himself when it comes to dual-threat quarterbacks.
Read More: 15 NFL Running Backs Who Changed the Game Forever
2. Steve Young
With a legacy that’s hard to match, the dynamic Steve Young was a force to be reckoned with on the football field. His prowess in both passing and running set him apart, earning him a spot among the top ten quarterbacks for rushing yards. His agility and speed led to an impressive tally of 43 rushing touchdowns.
As a San Francisco 49er, Young’s exceptional skills were recognized with two NFL MVP awards and three Super Bowl victories. His career is a testament to his versatility and dominance in the game.
Read More: 15 NFL Legends Who Hung Up Their Cleats Too Soon
1. Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson has rewritten the playbook for dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL. He’s not just a passer, but a runner too, smashing records with his lightning-fast feet. In both 2019 and 2020, he did something no other quarterback had done before – he rushed for over 1,000 yards in each season.
His 2019 performance was particularly stunning, setting a new single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback. Jackson’s unique style and record-breaking achievements have inspired a new generation of dual-threat quarterbacks. And in 2024, he sprinted past another milestone, overtaking Michael Vick to become the all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks.
Read More: 10 Young NFL Stars Destined for Hall of Fame Glory
